Damaged Spindle Nut - Photo 49290899

3. If you’re buying an early axle, it’s usually easy to remove the external hubs. If the spindle nuts are chewed and show signs of chisel marks and the lock washers are hammered like these, it’s often a sign of shoddy workmanship. If they can’t bother using a spindle nut socket, chances are maintenance on the rest of the axle is equally bad.